Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia
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Hagia Sophia did not just reopen as a mosque for Turkey, but for the entire region
The significance of prayers of gratitude being performed, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, where imperialist powers know no limits in the violation of rights and law, should not be overlooked. The reinstatement of Hagia Sophia Mosque’s true status was closely followed in the Balkans and the Caucasus as well.
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Turkey appoints three imams, including professor, for Hagia Sophia
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to join hundreds of worshippers Friday for prayers inside the former Byzantine cathedral that became a mosque with the 1453 Muslim conquest of Istanbul and then a museum in 1934 after Turkey became a secular republic.
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'Hagia Sophia move shows will of Muslim country'
"Turkey has been siding with legitimate voices of the people and governments in the region," said Sami Al-Arian, an expert on global affairs.
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Hagia Sophia to be open for all: Turkish president
In an address to the nation, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered his remarks on the new status of Hagia Sophia — which was used as a museum for the past decades but will serve as a mosque following a recently adopted decree on Friday.
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Islamic prayers to be held at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Erdoğan says
At the Hagia Sophia on Friday, the Conquest Sura, a section of the Koran, will be recited and prayers will be held as part of a celebration organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Erdoğan said in a statement.